Video: Cote d’Ivoire are heading into World Cup qualifying… and they’re in for a hot date.


Kese and Pepe fool Drogba’s numbers

Ivory Coast secured a valuable and thrilling two-goal win over Curaçao to secure their place in the next round as runners-up in Group E, losing to leaders Germany on goal difference in an epic 2026 World Cup group stage final.

The first historic goal and the last one that lit up the stands. The Elephants wrote a new chapter in their World Cup history and thwarted Curaçao’s bid to pull off a surprise, proving that experience makes the difference when the score is tight.

Franck Kessier’s historic appearance came in the third and final round of the group stage, making him the most prolific player in history after equaling legend Didier Drogba’s record by making his 105th international appearance for the Elephants.

The runner-up of Group E (Côte d’Ivoire) will face the runner-up of Group Nine (France or Norway) in the round of 32.

First half. Elephant advantage makes Curaçao suffer

 

The match started with great enthusiasm by the Ivorian national team, which established early control over the course of the game. In the 7th minute, Nicolas Pepe opened the center of the goal with a powerful left-footed shot from Yann Diomande’s accurate pass to score the fastest goal in Cote d’Ivoire’s history at the World Cup.

Yann Diomande (19 years and 7 months) became the youngest African player in 30 years to score at the World Cup with his assist, joining a historic list that had not seen an African name since the 1994 World Cup, when Cameroon’s Rigobert Song, 17 years and 11 months, and Marc-Vivien, 2 years, 1 month, Fowen 1 year old goals. on June 20, 1994

While Nicolas Pepe became the second-oldest World Cup goalscorer for Cote d’Ivoire at the age of 31 years and 27 days, second only to Drogba, who tops the list at 32 years and 3 months.

Ivory Coast continued their attacking pressure, creating dangerous chances thanks to the quick movements of Nicolas Pepe and Amad Diallo. In the 10th minute, Diallo sent a powerful ball with his left foot from outside the penalty area, which almost increased the score difference, but it went close to the left post.

 

The Curaçao team tried to respond by counter-attacks and create some danger. In the 14th minute, Jurien Gary shot a ball with his right foot outside the penalty area, but it went out of the goal.

Diallo came back to threaten the goal again with a similar shot in the 23rd minute, but it also went wide. The Ivorian Eagles controlled the midfield thanks to Franck Kessier and his teammates.

Curaçao’s most dangerous chance came in the 44th minute when Leonardo Bacuna received a pass from Cheryl Florence and shot from the left side of the box just inside the box, but the ball went wide of the left post.

As the half drew to a close, the Ivorian pressure continued. In the 45th +1 minute, Frank Kessien lost a golden opportunity after a great header from Pepe, who shot from a difficult angle on the right wing and missed the goal.

The first half ended with Ivory Coast deservedly leading 1-0 with a clear advantage in possession and chances.

Second half. Pepe extends the lead and secures qualification

 

The second half began with Ivory Coast’s first change, as coach Christ Enao Olay replaced Amad Diallo to strengthen the front line.

The pace of the match did not let up as the Ivorians looked to capitalize on an early lead, but in the 46th minute Nicolas Pepe was caught offside after a cross from Joila Douy.

The Ivorian pressure continued and in the 53rd minute, Franck Kessier sent a powerful left-footed shot from the center of the penalty area, but Curaçao’s defense kept it out.

The Curaçao team tried to get out of the pressure and build several counterattacks. In the 55th minute, Cheryl Florence left-footed a shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball went wide of the post.

The Ivorian Eagles continued to control the game and looked for a second goal to decide the match.

In the 64th minute, Nicolas Pepe managed to score his second personal goal, and the second for his country, after a great pass from Ibrahim Sinjari. Pepe came into the box from the right and fired a powerful left-footed shot into the top left corner to give the Ivory Coast two unanswered goals.

With this goal, Nicolas Pepe became the second player to score 2 goals for Côte d’Ivoire at the World Cup, after Aruna Dindan against Serbia, who scored the feat on 21 June 2006.

The half continued with attempts from both sides and the Curaçao team almost scored the difference in the 74th minute when Tahit Chong left-footed a shot from the right-hand side of the box inside the box, but the Ivory Coast keeper made a brilliant save.

The second half ended with Cote d’Ivoire leading comfortably 2-0, with a strong and organized performance from Cote d’Ivoire.





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